Haram is an outstanding editor who has made a huge impact at this paper. Under her guidance, the Taste section was named best in the country three years in a row by the Association of Food Journalists. She also has earned legions of fans and readers for her excellent columns and stories and her ability to offer anyone who calls or writes truly helpful guidance and advice about cooking, dining and recipes.

I, and indeed everyone here at the Express-News, will be very, very sad to see her go. Not only was she supremely skilled at her job, she was a delight to work with. She always had a positive attitude and always was willing to pitch in and try new things.

But I think Karen says it best in her own words:

One of the hardest things I've ever had to do is make the decision to retire from what I consider the best job in San Antonio, one I have been passionate about since I started working here in 1985.

It's incredibly hard to give up a job I've loved so much for so long, but after nearly 34 years working for the Express-News, first as a freelancer, then full time for more than 28 years, I want to give myself a break from deadlines and take time to relax, exercise in the middle of the morning instead of after work at 6:30 p.m., read, needlepoint, go antiquing, travel with my husband, and spend time with my four granddaughters while they are still young enough to want my company.

It's been such a pleasure being a part of the Express-News and I'm grateful for the amazing support I've gotten from management; working here has been a privilege and an honor. I know I leave Taste in excellent hands as I couldn't have had a better team/co-workers.